Chapter 4The Guardian's Secret

The weather had been dreary lately. It rained heavily in New York.

I waited alone at the hospital for a long time, watching the heavy rain turn to a drizzle, my heart sinking.

In the end, only his assistant, Wang, came.

"Mr. Huo says he's accompanying Miss Elena shopping today. Here's a card, spend whatever you want."

I pulled my coat tighter, asking stubbornly:

"Did he say anything else?"

Wang lowered his head, hesitating.

I urged him. "Say it."

"Mr. Huo said he hopes you remember your place."

"In a month, he will be engaged to Miss Elena."

Engaged?

I took the card expressionlessly, realizing my relationship with him was gone.

He was eager to start a new life, and my feelings were something that couldn't see the light of day.

He was reminding me constantly to remember my identity.

In this moment, I suddenly felt that holding onto a drunken sentence from years ago was utterly pointless.

Fortunately, the results showed no cancer, but I needed surgery. The doctor suggested I transfer to a specialist in Boston or go abroad.

After hesitating, I decided to talk to Julian personally.

When I arrived at the company, it was already evening.

The lights were still on in Julian's office. Just as I was about to walk over, a woman stepped out of the shadows.

It was Elena.

She furtively adjusted her clothes, took photos of the documents in her hand, and hid them behind her back.

Her phone screen lit up, and she quickly found a quiet corner to make a call.

It was past working hours, and the office was empty.

I followed her to the stairwell, listening to her cheerful report:

"Don't worry, I got it. This information is enough to bring down Huo Corp."

"Of course. He loves me so much, getting the key to his safe was easy."

I clutched my phone in panic, quickly pressing the record button.

The voice faded.

Elena turned abruptly. The sound of heels approached. I could sense her walking towards me in the dark.

I stood up quickly, trying to calm myself as I backed away. I was still shaken when I exited the stairwell.

Elena was not simple.

I had to tell Uncle Julian immediately.

Backing up, I bumped into a broad chest.

"Looking for me?"

My uncle was behind me, stepping back to keep his distance.

I was almost crying from panic, playing the recording on my phone.

"Uncle, I saw Elena searching your office. She was on the phone saying she'd destroy Huo Corp..."

Julian's face froze. To my confusion, he snatched the phone.

His face was dark as he pressed delete without hesitation.

"Since I've chosen to marry her, she will be your sister-in-law. I don't want to see this again."

"When did you become like this? Using such underhanded tactics?"

Disbelief filled my eyes. I realized this was the first time I truly knew him.

I used to think my uncle was just distant. I chased after him regardless. Rumors said he was ruthless and never soft on his enemies.

Could such a man lose his judgment over love?

I tried to hold back my tears, looking up into his eyes.

"Is that the kind of person I am in your heart?"

He turned away, lighting a cigarette.

I took a deep breath, wiped my tears, and gave up completely.

"I came here to clarify things. I was immature before and had thoughts I shouldn't have."

"From now on, I wish you and Elena a lifetime of happiness."

As he wished, I moved out overnight.

I waited in the small house for two weeks, finalizing my surgery abroad for the end of the month.

While packing, there was a knock on the door.

"Delivery for you."

I took the package and opened it. It was a gold-embossed engagement invitation. The names were Elena and Julian.

Inside was a photo of them.

Elena held Julian's arm, smiling brightly.

I vaguely remembered today was their engagement party.

After packing everything, I went to the venue.

Before entering the hall, I heard waves of celebration.

"Congratulations!"

"What a perfect match!"

"Kiss! Kiss!"

The moment I walked in, the atmosphere silenced. Everyone's eyes were on me.